September 9, 2013

A ray of sunshine

I've been writing a lot about death and dying lately, and it's gotten kind of depressing here in this little corner of the blogosphere. I know I could use a break from it. Enter the lovely Carolyn West, who has offered some much-needed virtual sunshine.

The Sunshine Award, to be more specific. Apparently, she kind of likes this blog. And because she enjoys reading my words, she has bestowed me with this:

Which I think is all kinds of awesome. Thank you, Carolyn! I'm honored. Now, it is my duty to answer some questions Carolyn has come up with...

If you couldn’t blog anymore, what would your “outlet” be?

Blogging saves my sanity. I can't imagine ever quitting. But, if I *had* to, I guess I would journal.

If you could go to a spa and get any treatment they provided, what would you get?

That would be a toss up between a massage and a facial. I adore both services. The former is, in my opinion, essential. It helps reduce stress and contributes to overall good health. As I age, I have become a fan of the latter. My skin has a lot more needs than it used to, and I love the boost it gets from a professional facial!

If you could go back in time, would you have followed a different career path than you did? What would it be?

No. I greatly enjoyed my 15 year career before I became a mom and decided to stay home. And since that path has led me reconnecting with my passion for writing, I would in no way change a thing.

You can plan any type of vacation you want. Would you want relaxing or adventurous?

You know, I do have a bit of the adventurous in me. But the way my life is these days, I would go for relaxing in a heartbeat. And, sorry SB, but I would also go child free if I could. My husband and I spent our honeymoon at a Sandals resort, and since I'm fantasizing here, that is the vacation I would plan again.

What food do you hide from your kids and sneak after they go to bed?

Candy. And don't tell my husband, either.

What TV show (that is currently on) are you addicted to?

I rarely watch television. When I committed myself to my writing, I knew I would have to give up some things in order to make time for my craft. TV was something I found easy to put aside. My hubby and I do watch The Walking Dead together when that is on. And I love having the opportunity to watch my St. Louis Cardinals. Other than that, my TV viewing involves my four year old. And I will admit I love her favorite show Wild Kratts as much as she does. It's like a guilty pleasure for me.

What was the best book you’ve ever read?

OK, this is a hard one. I love books, and have read so many. I even review books here on this blog from time to time, but I can't say any of them are my favorite. I'd have to go with Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Not only is it a wonderful read offering incredible insights about life and marriage, she wrote it while staying in a seaside cottage at the resort where hubby and I were married. Possibly in the same cottage we spent our wedding night in. My mom gave me a 50th anniversary edition as a wedding present. So I treasure this book for many reasons.

Do you play a musical instrument? If not, what would you play if you could?

I wish I did. I took piano lessons as a child, but hated them and quit as soon as I could. I regret that today. My hubby can literally play by ear. He can't read music, but can listen to a song, sit down at the keyboard and work it out. It's amazing. I hope SB inherits that ability.

What was the first and last concert you’ve been to?

This question gave me a good chuckle. First concert was Rick Springfield. My dad took my best friend and me. I think I was 13. I have been to what feels like hundreds since. I am racking my brain to come up with the last one, however. It has been a while. I believe it was Matchbox 20, who are one of my favorite bands.

What is your favorite holiday?

Definitely Christmas. I have so many wonderful memories of that holiday from my childhood. And I am working to create them for my own daughter. Christmas is not only a holiday, it is part of the season of Advent. And there are so many wonderful traditions that come with that.

Now, there are rules involved when one receives a blog award. Here is what I am required to do:

Include the Award Logo in your blog post

Link to the person who nominated you

Answer 10 questions about yourself

Nominate 10 bloggers and give them 10 questions to answer

I always hesitate to come up with a small list of bloggers, because there are so many I love. But, here are the blogs I would like to pass this award on to: